Abuja: The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities' law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers. Justice Ricardo Gon§alves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, challenged the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to better understand the court's mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court's personnel at all levels. Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama emphasized that the moot court was a platform for students to engage with regional legal frameworks and interact directly with key figures of the Community Court of Justice. He highlighted the importance of such interactions in fostering a commitment to justice, regional cooperation, and legal excellence across West Africa.
Justice Ricardo Gon§alves expressed his admiration for the law students' legal arguments and demonstrations during the competition's opening session. He conveyed optimism about the future generation's potential to surpass current achievements. The orientation session aimed to provide participants with a clearer understanding of the court, reflecting their shared commitment to legal excellence and regional jurisprudence advancement.
Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court's Principal Research Officer, presented details about the court's jurisdiction, protocol, and admissibility. He explained the court's authority in human rights cases within member states and clarified limitations concerning disputes between individuals or non-state actors. Agbozo stressed the court's commitment to resolving human rights violations without the need to exhaust local remedies before approaching the ECOWAS Court.
Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court's Senior Legal Officer, described the court as a key judicial organ of ECOWAS, emphasizing its role in interpreting and applying the ECOWAS Treaty. He highlighted the court's achievements in enhancing regional integration, protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law. The court aims to remain an independent, reliable, and accessible institution playing a strategic role in realizing community objectives.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that four Nigerian universities-Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Lagos State University, and University of Uyo-qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition, set to take place later on Friday.